Goaltenders find inspiration from any number of different sources when pulling together a concept for a new mask. Some pay respect to the organization’s history and some keep the same general design no matter where they happen to play. Jason LaBarbera has always has some pretty cool masks for music fans to check out—from Metallica to Eddie Vedder.

This season, he’s taken it to a completely different level.

LaBarbera’s new mask pays homage to the great Arizonan (and American) Pat Tillman. For those who don’t live in Arizona or don’t remember his story, Tillman was the former Arizona Cardinals safety who left an NFL contract on the table in the wake of 9/11 to fight for his country. After a few tours, Tillman lost his life while serving as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. Regardless of political beliefs, Tillman was a man who stepped up for his country during an emotional time of uncertainty and confusion.

“I wanted to make sure that all troops knew how much we respect and appreciate their sacrifices to protect our way of life. Pat’s story is well-known around the country and the world, but it’s so important here in Arizona were the people see him as their own. He is a part of Arizona sports history and our nation’s history and I wanted to show that.

“You walk by the Arizona Cardinals stadium (just across the street from Jobing.com Arena, home of the Coyotes) and you see the statue and it really impacts you what Pat Tillman did and the decision he made. Here’s a guy who gave up a very lucrative profession, something he loved and did all his life, to do what he thought was right. Not a lot of people can say that.”

It’s hard to explain what Pat Tillman meant to the sports landscape in the Phoenix area. He played with the hometown Arizona State Sun Devils, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, and thrived for both. During his time with the Cardinals, he had other offers to move onto greener (and more lucrative) pastures, but stayed to play with the Cardinals. In the wake of his untimely passing, both the Sun Devils and Cardinals have retired his number—you’ll see his name whether you attend a college or pro football game in the greater Phoenix area.

Sometimes goaltenders masks are silly at best—or self-serving at worst. But you have to give it up to the goaltenders this offseason for “getting it.” This year, we’ve seen tributes to the fallen enforcers, former NHLers who perished in the Lotomotiv plane crash, and now a soldier who fought for his country and still means a lot to his community.

If good things happen to good people, expect LaBarbera to have a heck of season as he shares time with Mike Smith this season.